US House of Representatives votes to overturn Obama's climate rule

WASHINGTON, Dec 2 (KUNA) -- The House of Representatives voted Tuesday to overturn President Barack Obama's sweeping climate change regulations for power plants in a largely symbolic move.
The mostly party-line 242-180 vote came on the second day of a two-week climate change conference in Paris.
The legislation would permanently block the main pillar of Obama's climate agenda and of his pledge to the international community for the accord world leaders are writing in Paris.
Tuesday's vote sends the measure to Obama's desk, following the Senate's November vote to pass the legislation. Obama has promised a veto to protect his climate priorities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put the rule forth in August, mandating a 32 percent cut in the power sector's carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, the first limits on greenhouse gases for power plants.
It's expected to significantly hurt the coal industry, though the EPA says it will save consumers money on their electricity bills.
The measure was passed as a resolution under the Congressional Review Act, which allows for a streamlined process for Congress to overturn major regulations.(end) yt.ibi